Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune took the Senate floor to remark on the significance of the Howard Wood Dakota Relays, an event celebrating its 100th anniversary. Highlighting the event as more than just a track meet, Thune described it as a staple of South Dakota sports and tradition.

Thune elaborated on the breadth of the competition, which draws thousands of high school athletes from the Upper Midwest to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. "It’s about the best competing against the best," he said, citing events such as hurdles, relays, long jump, and javelin. A highlight of the event is the special showcase of top regional runners on Friday night.

The senator shared personal ties to the relays, noting his family's long-standing involvement. His wife Kimberley’s grandfather, "Smokey Joe" Mendel, participated in one of the first relays and was the first inductee into the Dakota Relays Hall of Fame. Thune also mentioned his daughters, both gold medalists at the relays, and the ongoing impact of the relays on South Dakota athletes.

First organized by Coach Howard Wood to provide competitive opportunities for student athletes, the event began with entrants from nine schools and has grown substantially. Thune reflected that this year's relays anticipate participation from 3,000 athletes and attendance from 20,000 fans, featuring competitors that have included 17 future Olympians.

Thune acknowledged the essential role of community support, emphasizing the contributions of volunteers. "The relays couldn’t run without these men and women," he stated, highlighting the volunteer efforts of Sioux Falls native Terry Nielsen, who has contributed for 50 years. According to Nielsen, the relays' success is deeply rooted in the values of small-town South Dakota.

The enduring influence of Coach Wood is memorialized at Howard Wood Field, where a plaque honors his dedication to youth development through sports. Thune reiterated Wood's philosophy, quoting his belief in the value of athletics for character development and life skills.

Thune concluded by celebrating the lasting legacy of the Dakota Relays and expressing anticipation for the upcoming event, "to cheer on our athletes and to be a part of this great South Dakota tradition."